Juliana Stratton wins Illinois Democratic Senate primary race

The Guardian US News
by George Chidi
March 18, 2026
3 min read

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Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

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Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton won the Democratic primary to succeed retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, defeating U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi. Stratton, a progressive, had trailed Krishnamoorthi in polls until Governor JB Pritzker provided financial support in recent weeks, while hardening sentiment on immigration also shifted the race dynamics. The infusion of resources from Pritzker proved decisive as Stratton fended off competition from her left, including Congresswoman Robin Kelly, which had threatened to fragment the progressive vote. Stratton now advances to the general election in a state where Democrats hold a significant registration advantage, making her the likely front-runner to claim the seat.

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